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parsleyperson's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
janewhitehurst's review against another edition
4.0
I found the characters (and there were many) in this book to be memorable and lovable. Madeline, a foul-mouthed 9 year old singer and victim of neglect and her elementary school teacher were my personal favorites. The story, weaving numerous characters together, culminates in a jazz club in present-day Philadelphia. I couldn't help but think the narrative should have been set in the 1960s...it just had that mid century feel to it. There were a few awkward moments I wish were edited out and I wasn't sure about the ending...it didn't seem to fit with the rest of the book, but that's me being picky. Marie-Helene's writing is great and the plot moved quickly making her book quite enjoyable.
katrenia's review against another edition
4.0
I’ve not read a book in this writing style before, but once I got used to it, I liked it. It’s a unique perspective of all the random thoughts a person has as they go through the day. The book also presented a sad reminder that you never know what’s going on at home for a kid and we should do everything we can to encourage and support them.
menziesreads's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Really charming book. The characters and the writing fizz with personality.
charitypink's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed the different characters. This isn’t going to be everyone’s cup of tea because at times I found it hard to follow, but again, the characters made up for that. Definitely a borrow before you buy type of book.
meme_too2's review against another edition
3.0
This book started out great with clever writing. Her use of adjectives was fun and very descriptive. As the book developed, the language got more and more colorful. I was waiting for something to pull it all together in a strong enough way. It didn't happen.
Each of the characters was introduced separately with flashbacks that kind of came out of nowhere. It was distracting. I anticipated a stronger ending that never really happened.
Each of the characters was introduced separately with flashbacks that kind of came out of nowhere. It was distracting. I anticipated a stronger ending that never really happened.
livandthesky's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.0
emilielures's review against another edition
5.0
reads like a beat - timeless quality. refreshing style and tempo.
the style of writing affected my internal rhythm so, that i was be-boppin’ for awhile after i put the book down each time.
i enjoyed how internal stream of consciousness and memory was nestled into a moment of decision in a scene.
tender characters -some with seemingly tougher shell- each with a personal conundrum to be resolved in a day.
the style of writing affected my internal rhythm so, that i was be-boppin’ for awhile after i put the book down each time.
i enjoyed how internal stream of consciousness and memory was nestled into a moment of decision in a scene.
tender characters -some with seemingly tougher shell- each with a personal conundrum to be resolved in a day.